texas126

Very much desire a 126 DIESEL Benz. Interested in something between 1985 and 1991. Could I get some general opinions about the 126 models that fall into this category. Which were the most reliable? I tend to think newer is better and I must admit that a very well kept 1991 Model 350 SDL looks incredible.. So with this in mind.. lets get some opinions about these mentioned below: Open to look for any that fit the criteria...
1981-85 300SD Turbodiesel
1986-87 300SDL Turbodiesel
1990-91 350SDL Turbodiesel

What I am looking for will be a very clean, meticulously kept and maintained Auto that can be treated the same but turned into a weekly driver. The occaisional 400-800 mile Texas Road trip will be required of it. I intend to use it regularly.

I'm dying to hear any and all opinions.

Thanks and gald to be a new member. This place will served as home away from home as I move into this car and stay with it for a long time.

Texas126

Tmax

I love all of the 300 series 126's!

I like the options the 350 series came with, but will not buy one that has the original motor in it! For what ever reason , the 350 series motors that I have seen that have 120-150 thousand miles on them have one bad cylinder or one bent connecting rod.

If you can find one that has a MB reconditioned motor in it, you should be ok.

texas126

Definately like the looks of the 87 SDL, can you tell me a few general pros/cons to that model. How many miles/1-10 condition on the one you picked up?

One Last question, any clue the cost to have an MB Refurbished/Remanufactured 350 SLD engine installed?

Tmax

Pros?
Solid long body with a stout turbo 6 cylinder.
Most have had the original head replaced.

Con?
No intercooler.
87' original heads crack!

Mine, I don't remember the mileage due to the fact it has been in the paint and body shop for the last four months and before that, I had loaned it to my mother for three months. I think it has less than 150K (and has the original head).

The exterior was a 4 out of ten, interior is 6 out of 10, mechanicals were 5 out of 10.

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Things I have done:

Front suspension, all steering leakages, upper and lower ball joints, radius rod bushings (?).

Chassis bushings front and rear.

Trans and diff mounts.

Radiator

Fuel level sender

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Things that need to be done:

Paint job (in the works)

Replace windshield (in the works)

Interior cleaned and re-died

Install 91’ model door panels (bought)

Install 91’ model rear deck speaker housings (bought)

Install new stereo speakers and amps (have)

Euro headlights installed (bought)

HAVAC control rebuilt

Heater control valve (mono-valve) replaced

Replace oil cooler

Hattaresguy

The original heads do not just "crack". The car must be overheated for one to do so. My original head and original head gasket is just fine at over 250k.

I would not buy a 3.5L 603. Simply a poorly designed engine. The cylinder walls are extremly thin. Only if a super nice 350SD came along would I consider one. I have a weak spot for the SWB W126's.

E150GT

Nothing Beats An 82 300sd Turbo Diesel. They Take Off Slow, But They Are Awesome On Mpg And Long Cruises.

OJwerks

first off, why diesel when you can get a 500SEL or 560 that will look even better, and cruise like / better than a new car.

H-townbenzoboy

How does a diesel W126 "look" any different than a gas W126?

JamesDean

one breathes in the exhaust fumes. i second the 1gen 300SDs. strong engine. reliable. I have a 82 300SD w/ 125,000 miles on it. running strong..getting about 25mpg or so on average. I dont know how much on the highway. Amazingly enough my 190 2.6 got 32mpg.

Kris

The Doggfather

Hey H-townbenzoboy,

Maybe OJwerks could be referring to the engine? A V8 always looks better than a 6, no matter what engine bay it's in!

geoff_fansher

aren't the 300 sd's a 5 cyl. turbo??

Untertürkheim

There is a post in the diesel thread that you will find useful:

https://mbworld.org/forums/diesel-forum/186747-thinking-getting-diesel-126-a.html